Story Highlight
– Worker broke leg while clearing blockage on machine.
– Company failed to assess cleaning risks and safety.
– Unsafe access allowed employees to bypass safety measures.
– Woodhorn Group fined £14,000 for health and safety breach.
– New safety measures implemented after HSE intervention.
Full Story
A West Sussex recycling company has been fined after a serious workplace incident left an employee with a broken leg. The incident, which occurred on 16 February 2024, involved Simon Pateman, who was then employed by Woodhorn Group Limited at their green waste recycling facility in Tangmere, near Chichester.
While attempting to clear a blockage in the fan housing of a Komtech compost screening machine, Mr Pateman climbed onto the machinery. Unfortunately, there were inadequate safety measures in place, including a lack of guardrails and other fall prevention systems. During the course of his actions, Mr Pateman slipped and subsequently trapped his left leg between the machine and its frame.
As a result of the slip, he fell backwards, striking his head against a handrail on the gantry as his leg remained caught. This accident resulted in a significant injury, requiring Mr Pateman to undergo surgery for a broken leg, where metal plates and screws were inserted to aid his recovery.
Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation which uncovered that Woodhorn Group Limited had not appropriately assessed the risks linked to cleaning the compost screening machine. Specifically, the investigation revealed that the company’s risk assessments failed to account for potential falls from height, particularly given the unprotected edges surrounding the fan housing.
Moreover, the company’s procedures for operating the machinery did not offer workers the necessary guidance on how to safely deal with blockages. Alarmingly, it was reported that employees were able to bypass safety protocols that were intended to prevent access to hazardous machine parts. This included a failure to ensure that the interlocked gate stopped workers from entering unsafe areas during the cleaning of parts known as ‘stars’—mechanical discs designed to break down larger compost clumps.
HSE guidelines recommend that employers minimise work at heights whenever feasible, highlighting the importance of ensuring that staff can safely access and exit work areas that necessitate elevated positions. Equipment designed for work at height should be stable, suitable for its intended purpose, and properly maintained.
The legal ramifications for Woodhorn Group Limited were significant. The company, based at Woodhorn Business Centre in Oving, Chichester, pleaded guilty to violating Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. As a consequence, they were handed a £14,000 fine and an additional £6,500 in costs during a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 16 March 2026.
Inspector Stephanie Hickford-Smith from the HSE commented on the situation, stating, “This was an entirely preventable incident that has had a significant impact on Mr Pateman’s mobility and quality of life.” She added that the safety measures implemented by Woodhorn Group following the intervention of the HSE – such as installing guarded working platforms around the fan housing and over the ‘stars’ – demonstrate the minimum standards that should have been in place from the start.
The case was pursued by enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and paralegal officer Hannah Snelling. It underscores the critical need for rigorous adherence to health and safety regulations in the workplace. The lack of appropriate risk assessments and safety measures can lead to severe consequences not only for the employees but also for the company as shown by this incident.
The Health and Safety Executive serves as Britain’s principal regulator with regard to workplace health and safety. The organisation’s primary aim is to ensure the protection of workers and the overall safety of work environments. For those interested in the regulatory landscape surrounding this case, further information can be found on the HSE website regarding relevant legislation.
The HSE does not engage in the sentencing process or the collection of fines; these responsibilities rest within the judicial system. Clear guidelines must be observed, unless the court determines that diverging from them is in the interest of justice. Sentencing guidelines pertaining to health and safety violations in England and Scotland further illustrate the legal framework within which companies must operate.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust workplace safety measures and the need for constant vigilance when it comes to maintaining a safe working environment. The implications of neglecting health and safety protocols can be severe, as illustrated by Mr Pateman’s unfortunate fall. Employers must take their responsibilities seriously to safeguard their employees and ensure that procedures are strictly followed to prevent future accidents.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving the employee from Woodhorn Group Limited highlights several key failures in health and safety practices under UK legislation, specifically the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. To prevent such incidents, the company should have conducted a thorough risk assessment for cleaning tasks involving the compost screening machine, especially considering the risks associated with working at height.
Key improvements could have included the installation of adequate guardrails around the fan housing and ensuring that interlocked gates effectively restricted access to dangerous machine parts during maintenance. Additionally, comprehensive training and proper instructions for safe clearance procedures should have been provided, in compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
This case serves as a reminder of the necessity for employers to implement suitable and effective safety measures, plan and supervise work activities, and ensure that employees can perform their tasks safely. By addressing these elements, similar incidents could potentially be avoided in the future.
